Chief of Branch, Communications
Organizational Context
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in New York seeks a Chief of Branch, Communications. OCHA's mission is to coordinate humanitarian action and alleviate suffering. The Financing and Outreach Division (FOD) enhances OCHA's visibility and resource mobilization. This role, reporting to the Director of FOD, is crucial for developing and implementing global communications strategies.
Job Purpose
The Chief of Communications will lead and strategically guide communication activities to align with OCHA's objectives and enhance understanding of its work. This role involves developing and implementing a global communications strategy to drive engagement and build support. Key responsibilities include managing various communication workstreams such as digital communications, media relations, outreach, campaigns, and partnerships. The incumbent will advise senior management on strategic and crisis communications, oversee policy implementation, and ensure alignment with organizational standards. This position also involves leading content creation for complex issues, managing communication teams, and fostering professional development. The goal is to strengthen OCHA's brand and advance UN priorities through impactful communication efforts, including monitoring media for emerging risks and providing strategic advice.
Responsibilities
Lead and strategically guide communication sections to ensure alignment with organizational objectives. Develop and implement a global communications strategy to enhance understanding, engagement, and support for OCHA's activities. Manage diverse communication workstreams including digital, media relations, outreach, campaigns, and partnerships, coordinating with UN entities and partners. Chair the Inter-Agency Standing Committee communications group. Review and optimize the global communications workforce. Advise senior management on strategic and crisis communications, and reputational risk. Oversee the implementation of communications policy, guidance, and training, ensuring compliance with data protection, security, and technology standards. Lead content creation for complex and sensitive issues. Manage and coordinate communications teams, including hiring, budgeting, and training. Oversee monitoring and analysis of communication strategies and activities. Lead collaboration with stakeholders for joint outreach and advocacy campaigns. Develop engagement strategies to enhance the Organization's brand. Monitor media for emerging crises and reputational risks, providing early warning and advice. Oversee policy development to strengthen information integrity and coordinate efforts to address related threats.
Work Experience
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in communications or international relations is required. Experience with current and emerging digital media platforms and strategic communications principles is necessary. Proven ability to lead teams, guide staff, and oversee project completion is essential. Experience in crisis communication within humanitarian, development, or peacekeeping settings is desirable.
Skills
Strategic thinking, Critical thinking, Knowledge of information integrity risks (misinformation, disinformation, hate speech), Partnership building, Crisis communication, Digital communications, Media relations, Outreach, Campaign management, Content creation, Team leadership, Staff development, Performance management, Data privacy, Cybersecurity, Information governance, Technology adoption.